Ready to hear about your new favorite shawl pattern? Here it is, the Charm City Shawlette!

This is my first shawl design, and I am pretty confident this is going to be the most popular pattern from Charm City Knits. Knitters love shawls and this one, with an easy-to-memorize stitch pattern and straightforward shaping, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Interestingly enough, this was the final piece added to Charm City Knits, somewhat unexpectedly. Last spring, in the aftermath of Freddie Gray's tragic death in police custody and the riots that followed, Karida Collins, owner of Neighborhood Fiber Co., released an exclusive colorway inspired by Freddie’s neighborhood: Sandtown-Winchester. Proceeds from its sale, over $10,000, went to the Baltimore Community Foundation’s Fund for Rebuilding Baltimore. I snapped up a skein immediately in the hopes of adding a special pattern to this collection.

I wanted to create something that I felt embodied the city of Baltimore. A lot of people's impressions of Baltimore come from watching The Wire. And I would be lying if I said it was inaccurate. Unfortunately, The Wire is a reality for far, far too many people in the city of Baltimore--a reality that came to nationwide attention last spring. A reality that we need to fight, together.

But at the same time, it's important to emphasize that Baltimore has many positive things to offer as well. History and culture, work ethic and talents, community. It's a complicated, beautiful city.

So I set out to design a shawl with distinct sections--some simple, some complicated--that work together to create something special. The lace portions of this shawl are framed by simple bands of garter and stockinette stitch. It's finished off with the slightest frill. It's worked up in beautiful Cobblestone Sock, a soft-but-sturdy blend of BFL, cashmere and silk with a subtle halo and hint of sheen.

The Charm City Shawlette is a half-pi shawl--rather than add stitches on every RS row, you work increase rows at gradually expanding intervals. The pattern includes both charts and written instructions and uses just one skein of Cobblestone Sock or fingering weight yarn (though, full disclosure, I cut it pretty close at the end!).

So, we're halfway there--3 patterns down, 3 to go! I think it's time for some fun!

First, I hope you're ready for some poolside knitting--because the Summer in the CityKAL is coming! The official announcement--all the details, rules and PRIZES--will come on May 1, but start stash diving now. The KAL will kick off Memorial Day Weekend!

Second, keep your eyes on social media this week, because I'll be announcing a little giveaway. Someone's going to win a copy of Charm City Knits and a skein of yummy yarn!

Third, don't forget that everyone who preorders Charm City Knits will be entered to win a special Charm City Knits grand prize pack. It'll be a box chock full of Baltimore goodness, and here's your first peek at one of the prizes!